New Zealand

New Zealand

Tracy Lee Silveria / Los Angeles Times

This island nation in the Pacific was the filming location for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The country's scenic and diverse geography were ideal for portraying J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Matamata, on New Zealand's North Island, was the setting of Hobbiton. Mt. Ruapehu, also on North Island, was used to depict Mt. Doom. New Zealand attractions include Tongariro National Park and Te Wahipounamu park, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. More info: http://www.newzealand.com/USA/ -- Jason La Pictured: The remains of Hobbiton in Matamata

This island nation in the Pacific was the filming location for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The country's scenic and diverse geography were ideal for portraying J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Matamata, on New Zealand's North Island, was the setting of Hobbiton. Mt. Ruapehu, also on North Island, was used to depict Mt. Doom. New Zealand attractions include Tongariro National Park and Te Wahipounamu park, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. More info: http://www.newzealand.com/USA/ -- Jason La Pictured: The remains of Hobbiton in Matamata (Tracy Lee Silveria / Los Angeles Times)

This island nation in the Pacific was the filming location for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The country's scenic and diverse geography were ideal for portraying J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Matamata, on New Zealand's North Island, was the setting of Hobbiton. Mt. Ruapehu, also on North Island, was used to depict Mt. Doom. New Zealand attractions include Tongariro National Park and Te Wahipounamu park, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. More info: http://www.newzealand.com/USA/ -- Jason La Pictured: The remains of Hobbiton in Matamata